Where there's a Williams, there's a way

A woman named Williams just won a tournament. That wouldn't normally be a surprise, but this time, it's Venus who won the Dubai title, and it's her first since 2012.

Paul Crocetti

A woman named Williams just won a tournament. That wouldn’t normally be a surprise, but this time, it’s Venus who won the Dubai title, and it’s her first since 2012.

It’s a pretty stunning and impressive turnaround, given that Venus has had a tough couple of years, often exiting tournaments, even majors, as early as the first round, including this year's Australian Open. But in Dubai, as a wildcard, she rolled through a difficult draw, not dropping a set.

Venus’ opponents included Ana Ivanovic, who took out sister Serena in the Australian Open this year (and to whom Venus dropped a mere three games), Flavia Pennetta and Caroline Wozniacki. And in the final, Venus topped Alize Cornet, who had beaten Serena in the semifinals.

We should know by now never to count the Williams sisters out, even when it’s been a while since one of them has been in the winner’s circle.